Still amazed by all the new products introduced at KBIS2017 [some of which I mentioned last week], I'm excited to share even more amazing delights in this post.

American Standard, DXV and GROHE, kitchen and bath brands under LIXIL America, share a common mission to improve health and increase sustainability while enhancing the quality of people's lives. It's no surprise that these brands lobbed their focus on improving the overall function of products we use everyday.

Photo Credit: American Standard

As a long time specifier of the American Standard brand, especially their toilets, I was excited upon introduction to their stylish and affordable Acticlean Toilet. The Acticlean™ system combines the power of the exclusive Vormax™ flushing technology. And, with the push of a button, the toilet springs into cleaning mode. All cleaning components are discretely hidden from view, yet accessible when needed.

Photo Credit: American Standard

This innovation is on point to deliver the cleanest flush ever engineered with an integrated, user-activated self-cleaning system. There are notable design improvements that contributes to the overall cleaning system. The toilet features the innovative CleanCurve Rim that eliminates the rim cavity and holes inside the bowl where dirt and build-up lives. In addition, the EverClean antimicrobial surface inhibits the growth of stain, bacteria, mold and mildew, helping it stay cleaner, longer.

For a true luxurious rejuvenating spa-like experience, this state-of-the-art fixture delivers the ultimate in comfort and performance. The dual-flush watersense-certified unit is complemented by a completely adjustable two-nozzle spray bidet system with integrated air dryer.

Photo Credit: DXV

GROHE is the leading provider of sanitary fittings and a global brand dedicated to providing innovative water products, which is why I'm thrilled to feature their latest innovation. The GROHE Foot Control Technology enables users to switch the water flow on and off with a tap of the foot via an activation plate installed directly in the space located at the bottom of the kitchen cabinet.

Photo Credit: GROHE

Available in two of GROHE's most popular faucets or as a retro-fit set for any of their available pull-down faucets, this innovative enhancement frees hands for added maneuverability and helps to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria around the kitchen.

Photo Credit: GROHE

Another delightful brand and BlogTour sponsor I'm thrilled to feature is Metrie™, a company that has transformed spaces with architectural interior finishes since 1926. Metrie™ is dedicated to reinventing your "finished space" by rethinking the application of your casing, your crown moulding and your baseboards.

Photo Credit: Metrie™

Metrie™ then and now finishing collection™ are uniquely crafted to fit any designed space. With five different stories, from ornate to modern, each story offers coordinating trim and doors for stunning interior designed spaces.

Not just for large spaces or tall ceilings, Metrie™ architectural trims are designed to enhance any space, irrespective of size. From solid wood to MDF, Metrie™ recognizes that selecting the right trim can be daunting. As such, Metrie™ solicited input from professional designers to learn about what is truly needed and to deliver a product line in which every element works together, aesthetically and functionally.

Photo Credit: Metrie™

Mohawk presented their Smartstrand Silk reserve carpet that places people like you and me at the forefront of their product. One of the most amazing benefits of the Smartstrand is its ability to take a beating. With its permanent stain resistance, advanced spill protection, maximum durability and super softness, this carpet is suitable for everyday living.

Photo Credit: Felix O.B. at FXO Photography

Unavoidably noticeable, the Smartstand carpet gives off a sense of high-quality. Incredibly soft to the touch and luxurious in looks, the carpet has an amazing feature that keeps it looking strong and feeling amazing. Smartstrand silk forever clean packs 700 silk-like fibers in each strand enabling it to retain its beauty and softness, even after 60,000 steps.

A few weeks ago I attended the kitchen and Bath (KBIS) trade show at the Orange County Convention Center. For those who may not know, KBIS is the voice of the kitchen and bath industry and has been for more than 50 years. This widely recognized and most attended trade event showcases the latest industry products, trends and technologies.

Allow me to say that KBIS was a great show with more footprint, innovative products, daring kitchen and bath design elements, all with a European feel. I was invited, along with 23 design industry professionals, as a participant of BlogTourKBIS to attend the show. As a result, we are privy to exclusive, first-hand knowledge of products due to hit the market. My one take-away from KBIS: CUSTOMIZATION. Brands are truly listening to their consumers and responding.

For the culinary enthusiast who wants the option of customization, Thermador's 60-inch pro range [also available in a 48-inch option] speak volumes. The "Ultimate Culinary Experience" allows you to mix and match two cooking surfaces and two oven configurations, while each center incorporates dual fuel range-tops with 6 star burners.

Photo Credit: Felix O.B. at FXO Photography

The first size of its kind in the market, Thermador's pro range offers a lot more than looks. The 60-inch pro range is equipped with a large sized griddle that is zoned for perfect control or searing at high temperatures.

Wellborn unveiled several delightful cabinet options during KBIS 2017, which were quite appealing in appearance and functionality. What we've seen with Wellborn is an embrace of color, functional organization, illumination at every corner and attractive design features.

Photo Credit: Wellborn Cabinet

Wellborn launched its new line at KBIS 2017, the Aspire Cabinetry. Undeniable stunning on sight, this "modernistic masterpiece" is parallel in design between the range of cabinet tones. Designed with intention, Wellborn's goal was to create a balance so that one color or material would not dominate over the other but rather work together as a collective suite. And there's more.

Along with Thermador's stellar appliances and Wellborn's topnotch cabinetry, another important element to think about are kitchen surfaces. Introducing Wilsonart, a leader in engineered surfaces, who manufacturers and delivers high-pressure laminate, quartz, solid surface and other engineered surface options.

Photo Credit: Felix O.B. at FXO Photography

Wilsonart unveiled 8 new patterns in its quartz line-up, 8 new patterns in its solid surface and 24 stunning new laminate patterns. Wilsonart's 8 new quartz patterns range in design from extra-large veining and movement to smoother styles in medium to small, fine particulates. All maintain a trend-forward neutral palette of white, gray and black allowing them to be mixed with other quartz, surfaces or laminate designs. Samples will be available some time in April.

On the contrary, Wilsonart's solid surface offers carrara marble looks, linear movement and translucency in shades of gray and white for a clean, pure and timeless look. Samples will be available some time in June.